Brentford’s summer will be defined by whether they manage to keep hold of strike partners Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, who scored 39 Premier League goals between them this season.
There is plenty of interest in both players, and while the Bees know they could be due some healthy profit, they will be aware that replacing either forward would be no easy task.
Top priority
The top priority will be to add strength and depth in forward areas, particularly if either Mbeumo or Wissa depart.
Another goalscoring winger is needed, most likely a right-sided one. Despite Kevin Schade’s positive development over the past 18 months, the Bees are too reliant on the goals of Mbeumo and Wissa.
What else they need
The Bees are also keen to improve their options in midfield, eyeing a new No8 as well as a more defensively-minded midfielder.
That is despite tying Ukrainian youngster Yehor Yarmoliuk down to a new long-term contract.
They are well-stocked at full-back after making Michael Kayode’s loan from Fiorentina permanent for £14.8m but will continue to monitor centre-backs they feel are undervalued by the market.
Possible ins
Brentford have already acted decisively in the first of the two summer transfer windows, signing Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher for £18million including add-ons as a replacement for Mark Flekken, who has joined Bayer Leverkusen for £11m.
They have also spent £3m plus add-ons on 18-year-old Romelle Donovan from Birmingham City after he impressed on loan.
Nigeria forward Christantus Uche, who plays for Getafe, has been linked with Brentford.
Possible outs
Manchester United are set to open talks with Mbeumo. For around £60m, Brentford would consider cashing in.
Wissa was approached by Tottenham in January, and the Bees also rejected a £22m offer from Nottingham Forest for his services.
He is on the transfer lists of a number of clubs but fresh bids are yet to materialise.
Mads Roerslev and Frank Onyeka are for sale at the right price.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank could even depart, with Tottenham among the clubs considering a change and fond of the Dane.
